Every $1 spent on fluoridation saves $120 in dental treatment costs. The proper amount of fluoride from infancy through old age helps prevent and control tooth decay. Fluoride exposure during the ages when teeth are forming (from birth through age 8) can also result a range of changes within the outer surface of the tooth called enamel fluorosis. Enamel fluorosis is a hypomineralization of the enamel surface of the tooth. Clinically, this appears as a range of cosmetic changes varying from barely noticeable white lines or spots to pitting and staining of the outer enamel layer.
I received a letter from the California Department of Public Health which states that the fluoride level in the water will be increased from the current levels of 0.1-0.4 ppm(mg/L) to 0.7-0.8 ppm(mg/L), starting October 29, 2007.
Is it safe to use this tap water for babies? Can mixing formula with optimally fluoridated tap water cause moderate or severe fluorosis? Will using only low fluoride water to mix formula eliminate the risk for fluorosis? Is all bottled water low in fluoride? What can be done to reduce my child’s chance of developing fluorosis?
In children younger than 8 years of age, combined fluoride exposure from all sources, such as water, food, toothpaste, mouth rinse or other products contributes to enamel fluorosis. Currently one-third (33 percent) of children aged 12 to 15 years in the United States have very mild-to-mild forms of this condition. Enamel fluorosis is not a disease, but rather affects the way teeth look.
I will introduce the answers in February. You may search the website: www.ada.org/prof/resources/topics/fluoride.asp or www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/drinking/Pages/Fluoridation.aspx .
If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jangsook Kim of CinemaDentalCare at 661-253-3030 or www.cinemadentalcare.com .